In air-cooled engine (like the ones found in most Harleys), heat can be an issue. Whether you’re running a 103, a Twin Cam or a Softail and whether you run Synthetic or Regular oil, the right oil will make all the difference. The chances are, your recommended oil will be 20W50 as that’s the most common grade for Harleys. The chart below shows you the recommended engine oil and the amount of oil you need for each model. While H-D supply their own oil, you definitely don’t have to use it to ensure your Harley runs smoothly. Harley-Davidson makes two types of fork oil for shovelheads.This guide is designed to help you find the best oil for your Harley. The transmission uses 1.5 pints of HD transmission lubricant, although many people use 75w90 gear oil mixed 3-to-1 with Lucas oil. Harley-Davidson recommends 4 quarts of SAE 50 or 60 engine oil in all 1966 through 1984 shovelheads. What kind of oil does a Harley Davidson shovelhead use? The viscosity of a typical ATF at 100☌ is 7.5 centistokes. Again, let’s look at actual viscosity numbers to back this up. The 20W-50 motorcycle oil’s viscosity is right in the “sweet spot” for optimum operation in all three holes and the volumes of positive reviews we receive back this up.Īs for the use of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in Harley primary chaincases, we have heard that some riders do this, but we do not recommend this option. Those using an 80W or 75W-90 in their transmissions are actually using a much thinner oil. So those opting for a gear lube thinking that they are using thicker oil, really are not. What kind of oil do you use for transmission on a Harley Davidson? As such, a quart of fluid should be enough for the Harley. Some fluids can be used in the engine, chaincase, and the tranny. How many quarts does the transmission of a Harley Davidson take? The amount of fluid depends on the fluid you select. What kind of oil does a Harley Davidson use? Is it OK to use automatic transmission fluid in a Harley?Īs for the use of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in Harley primary chaincases, we have heard that some riders do this, but we do not recommend this option. But, do consider that 75W-140 is much thicker than oils typically used in Harley transmissions. Our answer: It is perfectly acceptable to use 75W-140 gear oil in Harley-Davidson transmissions. Can 75W-140 gear oil be used in Harley-Davidson transmission? How much oil goes in a Shovelhead primary? If there is a small oil level plug in the kick cover (1/8 pipe plug), fill to that hole with the bike vertical, not on the jiffy stand. The transmission fluid capacity is approximately 24 ounces (0.71 liters). How many quarts does a Harley Davidson transmission take?ĩ9892-84 (qt.) or 99891-84 (gal.)).